Phil Rosenthal

Philip Rosenthal (born 1960) is an American television writer and producer who is best known as the creator, writer and executive producer for the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005). The show was co-produced by Ray Romano, and based in part on Romano's comedy material. Rosenthal's wife, actress Monica Horan, played the role of Amy MacDougall-Barone, the off and on girlfriend (wife after season 7) of Robert Barone (Brad Garrett) in Raymond. It was Rosenthal and Romano who decided to retire the series over the objections or reservations of the other cast members.

Rosenthal was born in Queens, New York, but spent most of his childhood living in New City, New York located in Rockland County. He attended Clarkstown North High School where he became very active in the school's drama club, Cue 'N Curtain. During his four years at Clarkstown, Rosenthal acted in many high school plays. Among his fellow schoolmates were future television producer Alan Kirschenbaum (Yes, Dear) and New York politician Richard Holbrook.

Rosenthal graduated from Clarkstown North in 1977. From there, he attended Hofstra University, where he graduated in 1981. In the early 1980s, he was an actor based out of New York City before shifting his focus to production work, becoming the writer and producer of such shows as Coach with Craig T. Nelson and the short-lived Baby Talk.